A GPS tracking device manufactured in China was discovered attached to a seagull along the coastal belt of Karwar in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, close to a sensitive naval installation. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has prompted a multi-agency look despite preliminary assessments pointing towards ecological research.
Discovery and Initial Response
The unusual situation came to light when residents of Karwar Town noticed the tagged bird resting behind the Thimmakka Garden area near the beach. Finding the device suspicious, they promptly alerted the Marine Wing of the Forest Department. Officials arrived at the spot, safely captured the seagull, and secured the tracking device for examination.
Police confirmed the discovery, stating that the GPS tracker bore markings connected to the Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This linkage initially suggested the device was deployed for academic and ecological monitoring purposes.
Scientific Purpose vs. Security Concerns
"The tracker appears to have been fitted to study the movement, feeding patterns and migration routes of seagulls. At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest any espionage activity," police officials were quoted as saying by PTI.
However, authorities are exercising heightened caution due to the strategic significance of the location. The seagull was found in proximity to the INS Kadamba naval base, one of the Indian Navy's most critical installations on the west coast.
"While wildlife tracking using GPS devices is a globally accepted scientific practice, the location where the bird was found makes it imperative for multiple agencies to verify all aspects," the police emphasized. They added that further action hinges on responses from the research body and a technical analysis of the device's data transmission capabilities.
Current Status and Precedents
The captured seagull has been moved to the Marine Forest Division office for observation. Officials are attempting to formally contact the concerned Chinese research institution to ascertain specific details of the study, including its origin, timeline, and scope.
This is not an isolated event in the region. In November last year, a similar incident involved a war eagle fitted with a tracking device spotted within the limits of Baithkol port in Karwar. That case was also ultimately linked to wildlife research.
Nevertheless, the repeated discovery of such devices, especially those linked to foreign entities near strategically vital areas, continues to fuel concerns about the potential for sensitive data collection under the cover of scientific research. The investigation remains ongoing as agencies seek to conclusively determine the tracker's purpose and any data it may have collected.
